Rob Neill of Naples, Florida began building models after retiring from his job at the local power company. He spent two years building this 15′ radio controlled replica of the Iowa class Battleship, New Jersey, using wood, WEST SYSTEM® epoxy and brass. Starting from scratch, he completed a set of plans by scaling photographs and drawings from library books, then lofted a mold from the plans.
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- The plywood bottom was bonded to the frames with epoxy. Mr Heavner’s claming method assured a good bond at all contact points. After fairing the hull, it was sheathed with fiberglass cloth and epoxy before painting.
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- The hull was strip planked with 3/8″x3/4″ Western red cedar. The bow was carved from a block of Honduras mahogany. After fairing, Neill coverd the hull with 4 oz. fabric and six coats of epoxy inside and out. The exterior is finished with five coats of Richard’s™ eggshell enamel. Click on image to see a larger view. (14366 bytes)
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- The superstructure hinges open with the aid of a gas shock foraccess to the control center and batteries. Power comes from two 12 volt deep cycle marine batteries which also run a tape deck and sound system.
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- The deck is 1/4″ plywood and superstructure is is 1/8″ plywood, all bonded and sealed with epoxy. To properly scale the teak decks, Neill individually laid planks with 450 yd. of black tread between each plank to simulate caulking. Towers, railings, ladders, gun barrels and other details were made from brass stock.
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- Four 12/24 volt industrial motors drive 3/16″ stainless steel propeller shafts and handmade 3″ brass propellers. Separate servos control the two port motors and the two starboard motors for maneuvering. The forward and aft 5′ of the hull are water ballast tanks that allow the 200 lb. model to sink to its waterline.